The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for its strategic and reform-driven oversight, which it says has contributed significantly to the stability, innovation, and growth of Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.
According to DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, the “firm, fair, and functional” leadership of the NMDPRA under the stewardship of Engr. Farouk Ahmed has played a pivotal role in improving operational efficiency, ensuring product availability, and boosting investor confidence across the sector.
“DAPPMAN applauds the NMDPRA’s commitment to fostering a competitive market, enhancing energy security, and encouraging innovation at a time when the sector is navigating global oil and gas challenges,” Adewole stated.
He highlighted several notable improvements facilitated by the NMDPRA, including the reduction of fuel scarcity incidents through strategic collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and other key stakeholders. He noted that the country has recorded consistent nationwide petrol supply in recent times — a significant improvement from previous years.
Adewole further cited data from the NMDPRA Industry Brief 2024, which revealed that the authority’s streamlined licensing framework has attracted over $1.2 billion in modular refinery investments since 2022. He also pointed to enhanced compliance enforcement, improved product quality (with 98% compliance among major depots), and anti-smuggling efforts which have reportedly reduced cross-border fuel diversion by 35%.
Through the Automated Downstream System (ADS), the NMDPRA is now conducting real-time monitoring of product distribution, helping to combat hoarding and illegal sales.
Adewole praised the impact of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which he said has empowered the NMDPRA to implement market-driven policies including price liberalization and downstream deregulation. These measures, he added, have attracted greater private sector participation and driven innovation.
“We have seen the NMDPRA take stakeholder engagement to a strategic level, fostering open dialogue that ensures policies align with market realities,” Adewole said. “Illegal refining has declined, while fuel quality and depot operations have greatly improved.”
He called on all stakeholders in the downstream sector to rally behind the NMDPRA’s reform agenda to enhance competitiveness, attract fresh investments, and deliver sustainable energy solutions for national growth.
“Ultimately, what we need in the sector is sustained collaboration to drive full deregulation and enhance the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic development,” he added.